Kawishiwi Lake
About Kawishiwi Lake
Kawishiwi Lake is a 372-acre lake near Tofte in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Kawishiwi Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Kawishiwi Lake
- 372 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Tofte
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 6.2 feet
- Camping close to the water at Kawishiwi Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 372 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 11 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 372 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Kawishiwi Lake Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Kawishiwi Lake Campground is mapped on or near Kawishiwi Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Kawishiwi Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kawishiwi Lake?
Kawishiwi Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Tofte. It covers 372 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Kawishiwi Lake?
Kawishiwi Lake covers 372 acres with about 11 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Kawishiwi Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Kawishiwi Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Kawishiwi Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Kawishiwi Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Kawishiwi Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Kawishiwi Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Kawishiwi Lake?
Yes. Kawishiwi Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.